‘Tis the season to make the 2012 holidays full of cheer — and there’s no better way to do that than with festive treats inspired by the creative minds at the Betty Crocker Kitchens.

The Betty 10: Red Hot Holiday
Trends spotlight the year’s hottest food trends, each with a delicious new recipe that adds a fresh twist to the holiday festivities. Whether food lovers are entertaining guests at home or bringing must-have treats to a party, Betty Crocker is helping them this holiday season with ideas and recipes inspired by today’s hottest trends.

These indulgent mini cakes are inspired by our favorite holiday treat – chocolate truffles. They’re filled and topped with ganache and sprinkled with crystallized ginger, pistachios and cacao nibs. Wrap up these tiny treats for the perfect gluten free gift.

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Trend: Beer Craft

Here’s what’s on tap: beer with flavor. Craft breweries are enjoying a resurgence and building community, one pint at a time. Home brewers and food lovers alike are getting in on this trend too, as more and more are brewing, cooking and baking at home with beer.

Beer Caramel Corn Trio

Beer Caramel Corn Trio

Our craveable, very giftable trio of popcorn is spiked with three different kinds of beer: brown ale, stout and India pale ale. It is a perfect gift for the hard-to-shop-for guys on your list.

Piled high with Indian-spiced roasted vegetables and fresh mozzarella, then topped with salted pistachios and cilantro, this hand-held appetizer is the life of the party.

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Trend: Punched Up Punch

This year, punch is back on the menu at creative cocktail bars across the country. Batch cocktails like punch have a renewed focus on flavor and are perfect for the holiday host who wants to step out from behind the bar.

This fruity, sparkly, bubbly, big-batch cocktail gets its signature kick from hard cider, bourbon and ginger liqueur. It’s a modern take on punch that’s perfect for entertaining.

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Trend: Family Kitchen

Families are getting creative in the kitchen, with adults and kids using playful recipes as a way to connect over food and craft. Together, they are making so much more than food – they’re making memories.

A surefire way to lure elves from their hiding spots: combine candy sprinkles, maple syrup and tiny doughnuts (made from Cheerios!) for an irresistible mix.

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Trend: Cake Pops on Top

Cake and creativity are the key ingredients needed to make adorable cake pops. Whimsical designs and sweet decorations add fun and personality to these cute confections. And no one does cake pops better than blogger and best-selling cookbook author Bakerella.